Hoyer Statement On 45th Anniversary of Implementation of the Medicare Program

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement on the 45th anniversary of the implementation of Medicare, which is tomorrow:

“Forty five years ago tomorrow, President Johnson launched the Medicare program, providing safety and security to generations of America’s seniors. This bedrock program has provided coverage and retirement security to millions of seniors, including an estimated 39 million seniors in the program today.

“But as we mark this milestone, Medicare is under attack from Republicans who want to end the program’s guarantee and dramatically shift costs to seniors. House Republicans have voted twice for a budget plan that would more than double seniors’ health care costs, re-open the prescription drug donut hole at a cost to seniors of $44 billion over the next decade and place many seniors at the whim of the private insurance market.

“Democrats stand united against Republican attempts to undermine this program, and are firmly committed to preserving the program for generations to come.”